The motherboard is the foundation of every computer, to which are mounted all PC components such as processors, memory, or graphics cards. Each motherboard is equipped with a chipset, which gives the properties of the base plate. The most common types of motherboard are micro-ATX (mATX), mini-ITX, and ATX.

Motherboards are categorized according to the processorsocket into which they are fitted. This is determined by the chipset being used. It also gives the compatibility of motherboard with the remaining components as memory (the type, frequency, and maximum capacity) and the processor itself (specifically selected chipset, supported type of CPU).

The so-called expansion cards -- whether, for example, graphics cards, sound cards, or network cards -- can be added to motherboards. These slots can be labeled PCI-E (VGA) or PCI (eg. the controller). An integral part of the motherboard is a disk driver that allows us to connect a hard disk (usually SATA). Motherboards offer several USB 2.0 and 3.0 ports, one eSATA port, mSATA, PS / 2, and firewire, or in the case of integrated graphics processor, VGA, DVI, HDMI, and Display Port.

Today's motherboards are equipped with integrated sound and network cards, and lately even integrated graphics cards. These technical innovations can save you a lot of money when assembling a computer. Some well-known manufacturers of motherboards are ASUS, Gigabyte, MSI, AsRock.